AGEAS car insurance review

With AGEAS you can only get comprehensive car insurance, which includes a courtesy car, European cover and onward journey assistance. In this review, we look at what AGEAS will cover you for in detail, the claim process and how you can save on your policy.

Who is AGEAS?

With roots going back as far as 1824, AGEAS is one the biggest insurers in the UK with more than 5 million customers. It is part of an international group too.

If you like a human touch it has a 24/7 in-house claims team. Meanwhile you get a lifetime guarantee on any repairs done by one of its approved garages.

Who underwrites AGEAS car insurance?

For the most part Ageas Insurance Limited underwrites its own car insurance policies. Yet legal expenses are underwritten by AmTrust Europe Limited.

Take a look at an AGEAS car insurance policy document on its website for more details.

What are AGEAS’ levels of cover?

AGEAS only offers comprehensive car insurance. New and young drivers shouldn’t be put off by this fact.

You might be thinking you need a third party or third party, fire and theft policy. After all, these are generally cheaper than a comprehensive deal.

However, insurance companies sometimes charge less for comprehensive policies as high-risk customers have traditionally taken out third party cover.

AGEAS comprehensive cover

A comprehensive policy will cover any damage you do to other road users or their property. Yet it will also pay out if your own car is damaged in an accident, a fire or during a robbery.

AGEAS also offers perks like an uninsured driver promise, so you’ll keep your no claims discount if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have cover.

Plus if you have an accident and your car can’t carry on, AGEAS will arrange onward travel to your next destination.

Optional extras

AGEAS also has a number of extras to add to your cover. Optional extras include:

• Legal expenses cover
• Breakdown cover
• Replacement vehicle cover
• Personal accident cover
• Key cover
• Excess protection cover

What’s covered under my policy?

Check your policy carefully to ensure it covers everything you need it to cover.

General exclusions

As with all insurance providers, AGEAS has a list of reasons why it will refuse to pay out for a claim. General exclusions include:

• Wear and tear damage
• Mechanical breakdown
• Punctures
• Vandalism if car left unlocked
• Theft by persons known to you
• Acts of war or terrorism

For a full list and explanation of the exclusions, see your insurance policy.

How to save on your AGEAS car insurance policy

• Drive safely. You can keep insurance costs down by trying to avoid getting speeding tickets and by keeping your claims to a minimum.
• Keep your car locked up. Parking your vehicle in a garage or on a secure driveway can lower your premiums.
• Lower mileage. Maybe you’ve recently changed to a job that’s closer to home? Tell your insurer if so. It might decide to slash your costs as you’ll be spending less time on the road.
• Up the excess. Voluntarily agreeing to a higher excess can bring your premiums down, although it could work out hitting your wallet harder in the long run, if you have to claim.
• Pick a smaller car. Less powerful cars generally cost less to insure, so ask your insurer what type of vehicle you should buy if you’re thinking of switching to a new motor.
• Check comprehensive. Because high-risk drivers have historically gone for lower levels of cover, you might just find comprehensive is cheaper.

What is my excess?

An excess is the amount of money you have to pay towards a claim before the insurance money kicks in. Usually this excess fee won’t be any higher than £350 and the point of it is to stop customers making frequent claims for small repair jobs.

By volunteering to have a higher excess you can lower your insurance premiums, although you need to make sure you can afford to pay the fee should you need to make a claim.

How do I make a claim?

You can speak to AGEAS’ claims team all year round and every hour of the day by calling 0345 125 2450.

It’s a good idea to have your insurance details and information about your claim to hand when getting in touch.

For windscreen claims you should call 0345 165 0581 instead though. Likewise you’ll need a different number if you have a personal accident claim, a legal protection claim, a breakdown or you’re calling from abroad. Check the AGEAS website to find out the contact details.

Customer reviews for AGEAS car insurance

On Trustpilot, AGEAS has 4.4 out of 5 stars and a rating of “Excellent”, based on more than 6,000.

On similar platform Reviews.io, things are less favourable. AGEAS has 1.9 out of 5 stars based on more than 20 reviews. Only 24% of customers say they would recommend the service.

Customers love the good value product and helpful service, but some complained about long hold times and misunderstandings with customer service (updated December 2020).

Pros and cons for AGEAS car insurance

Verdict

If you’re looking for a comprehensive car insurance policies, AGEAS has many helpful benefits included as standard. There is also access to a 24/7 legal helpline and a 24/7 claims line.

Only comprehensive cover is available, so those wanting to take out third party only or third party, fire and theft cover will have to look elsewhere.

Get started by visiting AGEAS and sign up for a policy. If you have read this review and decided that AGEAS car insurance is not for you, you can also compare other car insurance policies on the market.

Frequently asked questions

• Am I covered to drive other vehicles?

  Potentially. Take a look at your Certificate of Motor Insurance and see whether you’re covered. It will only be for third party protection though.

• Does AGEAS offer third party insurance?

  No, AGEAS only offers comprehensive cover. For third party or third party, fire and theft policies, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

• What is AGEAS' uninsured driver promise?

  Essentially this promise means that if you’re hit by an uninsured driver your excess will be reimbursed and your no claims discount reinstated. Which means you can claim and get your repairs paid for if you’re hit by someone driving without coverage (illegally.)

  However, the accident can’t have been your fault and you need to provide the make, model and registration of the other vehicle.

• Can I add an additional driver?

  Yes, you can have two named drivers insured on your policy as well as yourself.